The National Fruit Show has once again proved its strength as the leading event for the British fruit industry, with the 92nd show held on Wednesday 5 November at the Kent Showground drawing an excellent number of exhibitors, visitors and competitors.
Since moving to the one-day format, the show has blossomed, attracting more exhibitors made up of long-standing supporters of the show, returning name and new businesses joining for the first time.
Ticket registrations also indicated a rise in visitor numbers (up 33 per cent on 2024), reinforcing the event’s importance as the key annual meeting place for growers, suppliers, and fruit industry professionals.
The National Fruit Show has always been proud to showcase the largest display of competition top fruit in the UK, and this year competition entries were encouragingly strong across the board. The top fruit classes were up 90 per cent on 2024 and 15 per cent on 2023. The nut classes recorded their best turnout since 2022, and both the new Harlequin and returning Tastiest Apple classes were enthusiastically supported.
Show Manager, Eileen Haffenden, said:
“This year’s show has been a real celebration of collaboration and commitment within the fruit sector. It’s been fantastic to see so many previous exhibitors returning to the show, as well as welcoming many new faces to the lineup. I’d like to thank all our sponsors, in particular our major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, whose ongoing support enables us to deliver such a strong event for the industry.”
Nigel Bardsley, Chair of the Marden Fruit Show Society, which organises the event, added:
“The National Fruit Show continues to play a vital role in bringing the industry together. We’ve seen a clear increase in visitor engagement this year, showing the value of creating a space where growers and suppliers can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the quality of British fruit production.
As a not-for-profit event organised by growers, for growers, the show directly supports the Society’s aim to promote the better growing, grading, and marketing of fruit. It’s also rewarding to know that proceeds from the show help fund our education programme, inspiring the next generation to eat more British fruit and pursue careers in this sector.”
Annette Bardsley, Chair of Competitions, said:
“The standard of fruit on display this year has been outstanding. It’s encouraging to see growers investing so much care and pride in their entries. The enthusiasm for both the traditional and new classes shows how important these competitions remain to the industry.”
Jonathan Blackman, Chair of Judges, said:
“We have been very pleased to see a lot more entries this year. The standard has been high again, and we are delighted that the new, simplified entry criteria have encouraged more participants. The display looks as impressive as ever. It is once again a true centrepiece we can be proud of and something iconic that sets the National Fruit Show apart from any other industry trade show. Finally, thanks must go to the panel of judges, who did an excellent job, for giving up their time, and to the Marden Fruit Show Society committee members who have been instrumental in encouraging growers to enter this year’s competition.”
Opening the 92nd National Fruit Show, Judith Batchelar OBE highlighted the vital role horticulture plays the UK’s food system, encouraging growers to view change as progress and celebrate the innovation within their sector.
“Today we are here to celebrate great British growers and the contribution that you all make to the health of the nation,” she said. “We have a sector that has lots to offer today and in the future. Not only do we have growth opportunities from driving consumption of fruit and vegetables, and reducing imports, but we also have the ability to use the data and digital technologies at our fingertips to do that in a way that drives efficiencies, cost effectiveness and overall productivity, whilst delivering produce that is better for people and better for the planet.”
Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), sponsors of the President’s Breakfast and Show Opening, also spoke at the show opening, announcing two new financial products which have been secured exclusively for BAPL growers.
“We want 60% of all apples sold in UK supermarkets to be British by 2035. With cutting-edge storage facilities and fantastic varieties, there is less and less reason to turn to imports. These financial products from Oxbury Bank have been designed to fund new orchards, storage, grading and packing investment. These will, however, depend on long-term contracts between growers, packers and retailers.”
Show President, Catherine Paice, commented:
“It’s been wonderful to see the show so full of energy and optimism. After a period of change, it’s clear that the one-day format has given the event new life. As we look ahead to the 93rd show, there’s every reason to be confident in the future of both the event and the British fruit industry.”
The National Fruit Show organisers extend their thanks to all visitors, exhibitors, competitors, and sponsors for their continued support, particularly major sponsors Hutchinsons and NP Seymour, as well as British Apples and Pears, Worldwide Fruit, Staplehurst Transits, NIAB, Agrii, Mansfields, Produce Packaging, East Malling Trust, AC Goathams, Amfresh, Bennett Opie, Bloomfields, CA Services, Chavereys, Evelyn Partners, F Edmed & Sons, The Fruit Grower, Haynes, Isolcell, Lambert & Foster, Landseer, NFU Mutual Canterbury and Sittingbourne, NFU Mutual Marden, New Spitalfields Market, RH Group, The Rural Planning Practice, South East Farmer and UKCA Ltd.
The 93rd National Fruit Show will return to the Kent Showground on Wednesday 4th November 2026.
